What's the latest and greatest in the cannabis world? Which celebrities are sympathetic to the cause?
Weed is no longer the stuff of hippie jokes. It's a billion-dollar industry that's as mainstream as it gets. But that doesn't mean everyone's ready to throw back a blunt at every opportunity. There are still many taboo subjects surrounding marijuana use, and opinions on what it means to be pro-pot vary widely.
When it comes to reefer, there are always a dozen more questions.The most visible change has been on the legal front, as a growing number of states have made moves toward decriminalizing or legalizing the drug for recreational or medicinal purposes.
What's the new craze?
Music: Marijuana's prominence in pop culture is manifested in numerous Grammy Awards. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's song "Thrift Shop" was nominated for record of the year and won best rap song, best rap performance, and best rap album. The duo also picked up an award for best new artist, shared with Kendrick Lamar.
Pop culture continues to play an essential role in changing people's perspectives about marijuana. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Snoop Dogg have gone public with their support of cannabis, while others such as Rihanna have admitted to using it in the past.
Fashion: Cannabis fashion has become a big business, thanks to its eco-friendly appeal. As marijuana legalization spreads across America, so will clothing made from hemp fiber. Hemp is a sustainable alternative to cotton that is more comfortable and durable than its traditional counterpart. Celebrities like Rihanna and Lady Gaga have worn clothing made from hemp fibers at public events.
Tattoos: Tattoos have long been associated with marijuana, but the two became much more linked together after 4/20. That's because 4/20 is when people celebrate cannabis culture and smoking pot is a holiday tradition. Many people show their appreciation for weed by getting tattoos about it.
One of the most common cannabis-related tattoos shows the plant itself or its various parts. Some designs incorporate pot leaves into existing art forms, such as popular designs based on "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh.
What's going on in the celebrity world?
The truth is that cannabis is slowly gaining acceptance with celebrities, and some believe it's only a matter of time before celebrities can officially be considered a part of the "Green Rush." Some stars are even starting their businesses within the industry! If you want to get in on the action, here's what you need to know about celebrities investing in weed:
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg has been one of hip hop's most visible stoner icons since the early 1990s. His music videos frequently show him smoking weed, and he is even featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine wearing a crown made out of marijuana leaves!
Willie Nelson
Perhaps the most famous stoner globally, Willie Nelson is an outspoken supporter of cannabis legalization. He has even gone so far as to create his brand of legal marijuana called Willie's Reserve.
Natalie Portman
The Academy Award winner has never been afraid to speak her mind. She's recently taken up the cause of marijuana legalization in the United States. She is currently working with High NY's branding and consulting firm on a new cannabis-focused media property called Bud + Breakfast.
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson, a famous actress, and comedian had admitted to using cannabis several times during some challenging times in her career when she had hit rock bottom. She said that it helped her get through some callous times in her life and that she would not give up cannabis over anything else in the world.
Eminem
Eminem is another celebrity who supports marijuana legalization. He has stated in various interviews that he uses medical marijuana to treat his sleeping disorder and control his appetite. In addition to this, he has said that he believes people should be free to choose what they want to put into their bodies.
Miley Cyrus
The former Disney starlet says her love of weed inspired her hit song "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks." Cyrus told Rolling Stone magazine, "I don't care what people think about me smoking weed," and that she's proud of it.
Celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, Melissa Etheridge, Rihanna, Wiz Khalifa, and other famous potheads are also making their voices heard in the cannabis legalization movement. Many of these celebrities have become advocates for marijuana through social media and have even taken their fight to court.